Prerequisites

We’ve designed our Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) course to be accessible to a wide range of aspiring seafarers, particularly those working in the yacht, workboat, and fishing industries. To enroll, you’ll need to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Hold an MCA-accepted Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and have completed the shorebased course.
  • Be a Yacht rating with at least 6 months of sea service and possess a steering certificate or Navigational Watch Rating certificate.
  • Hold a Fishing Class 2 Certificate of Competency or have completed the Seafish 5-day watchkeeping course for fishing vessels under 16.5 meters.
  • Possess BML Tier 1, level 2 certificates.
  • Be a Tug rating with at least 6 months of sea time (which can include time in categorised water) and hold a steering certificate or a Navigational Watch Rating certificate.

Important Note: To receive your EDH certificate, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 6 months of sea service on vessels over 15 meters in length. Participants must be aged 17 or over.

Have questions about the prerequisites or your eligibility? Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly office team for guidance! We’re here to help you navigate your path to becoming an Efficient Deck Hand.

STCW Basic Safety Training

Duration: 5 Days (0900hrs – 1700hrs)

Cost: £750.00 inc vat

Location: South West Maritime Academy, Cromhall Quarry, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA

Certificate validity: This certificate does not expire

Certification: Upon successful completion you will be awarded an MCA approved certificate in Efficient Deck Hand

*Please note before an EDH certificate can be issued a minimum of 6 month sea service in vessels of more than 15m is required.

Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) Course at South West Maritime Academy

£750.00

(54 customer reviews)

Master essential maritime skills with our comprehensive Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) course. Gain expertise in nautical knowledge, ship maintenance, rope work, mooring, anchoring, and cargo operations through practical and theoretical training.

Category: SKU: Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

Description

Launch your maritime career with our comprehensive Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) course! This dynamic program equips aspiring seafarers like you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the demanding world of ship operations. Combining theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training, the EDH course ensures you’re well-prepared for the diverse challenges and responsibilities of a deck hand.

From mastering nautical terminology and safety procedures to handling cargo and operating deck equipment, you’ll gain a solid foundation for a successful and rewarding journey in the maritime industry.

Contact us

Please contact us if you require any further information about this course or wish to book on behalf of a company:

Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com

Normal office hours are (UK time):
Monday  – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Please be aware that online bookings for the Efficient Deck hand course will be confirmed with course joining information within one working day of the booking being made. Confirmation of payment will be received by email.

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre to suit everyone’s budget. For a list of local accommodation please click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Additional information

Course dates

24th – 28th March 2025, 19th – 23rd May 2025, 14th – 18th July 2025, 8th – 12th September, 3rd – 7th November 2025

54 reviews for Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

  1. C.Rigby –

    A very well delivered course and a fantastic instructor, very friendly and relaxed teaching style whilst being very professional, thank you!

  2. Angelo. F –

    Martyn was extremely knowledgeable on all topics and clearly has practical experience to back up his knowledge. Very good at delivering knowledge to the class and supporting students needed assistance.

  3. S W –

    A friendly and experienced lecturer, great facilities delivering many courses.

  4. S Davies –

    Martyn is very knowledgeable and easy to learn with

  5. P C –

    Really good course and instructor. Teaching was good and at a pace that is easily understood, especially the practical aspect. Martyn is very patient!

  6. I T –

    Very good course, well paced. Great mix of theory and practical. Accessible for attendees of all skill levels and the training team will assist on an individual basis which helps with understanding of techniques.

  7. C Taylor –

    Friendly staff and a great instructor

  8. B Carter –

    Great teacher in a friendly place

  9. J Young –

    The course was very educational and Martyn has very detailed knowledge of the subject. Very well run with a good balance between classroom and practical

  10. T Gidts –

    Well composed syllabus, a great 4 day course.

  11. F Shamatey –

    Instructors are very friendly and very professional, they are the best. South West Maritime Academy is the best Maritime training centre and I will come again, staff are very friendly, my instructor Martyn is the best, see you soon!

  12. A Christensen –

    Martyn is professional, has good knowledge and patience.

  13. M Rendall –

    Great knowledge and information from Martyn, also very patient and an understanding of how to teach.

  14. E Robinson –

    Straight forward, all information needed, taught well and concise, enjoyable environment.

  15. S Edwards –

    Really enjoyed this course learning from Martin, great instructor very knowledgeable and easy to learn from.

  16. S Briers –

    Instructor was fantastic, friendly and very helpful. It was an excellent course.

  17. C Cutting –

    Instructor was really patient and knowledgeable, no pressure was put on anyone at anytime and everyone walked away with loads of great new knowledge.

  18. M O’Brien –

    Martyn has super knowledge, he is a great instructor and very patient, professional and friendly.
    He was fantastic, really knew his stuff, broke everything down clearly and slowly with a very calm and patient demeanour, top marks, he made the course!

  19. K Davies –

    Martyn is a master of knots and rope, he is a man of patience and understanding.
    All very professional Academy, would highly recommend.

  20. S Robins –

    The instructor was very good and helpful, he was excellent.
    I found the EDH course excellent, it will put me in good stead for going on to an AB in the future.

  21. J O’Donnell –

    The instructor has great background of knowledge, patience and explained everything, Martyn was outstanding, I will be asking the company to use the academy for all future training.
    There was some content on the course that most seafarers would already know prior to attending but despite this, the instructor still found elements I should know, but didn’t!
    A very good course. I think all seafarers should complete prior to joining their first vessel.

  22. Joseph Smith –

    I found the teaching method very clear, Martyn has extensive experience in this field. Delivered content and answered questions with ease.

  23. Rory Bennett –

    Great teacher, very patient and knowledgeable, would recommend school to friends

  24. Steve Hoare –

    I though the course was well structured and factual.

  25. Ross H –

    It took me a while to understand the correct way to splice, but my instructor broke the lesson down further enabling me to understand it, many thanks.

  26. Steve Spear –

    A really enjoyable course. The instructors knowledge was superb and the instruction was excellent. The academy is a brilliant place to attend and you’re really made to feel welcome by all staff. Well done SWMA.

  27. Adrian P –

    Thoroughly enjoyable course featuring a good mix of theory and practical skills. All of the staff here are approachable, knowledgeable and clearly keen to help and develop students.

  28. Chris P –

    It would be very hard to find a more suited instructor in my opinion, very experienced. Martin is a very approachable, patent and natural teacher.
    Very thankful for Martin putting me right when I was getting flustered. It’s not the easiest subject to teach I imagine, but he remained professional and patient with all and throughout 🙂

  29. Jamie B –

    Overall excellent teaching from Martin.

  30. Matthew H –

    There is nothing Martin doesn’t know. A very calm and measured approach to the entire course, tutor always at hand to help and show correct methods, excellent throughout 🙂

  31. Matthias Kreithner –

    The instructor was very experienced and had good knowledge, teaching very good.
    Martin is an excellent instructor, he makes the contents very interesting even for more experienced seafarers!

  32. Jie Taylor –

    Martin was very patient, knowledgeable and friendly. An extremely useful course that everybody on deck should do.

  33. Justin Ellis –

    Instructor had great skills and the explanation on splicing was very helpful, Martin is a great teacher. I was very impressed with the friendliness. Very happy with the instruction on the compass. The course was very well taught and gained a lot of knowledge during the course. I learned a lot about rope work especially and feel like I have gained confidence moving forward in my career. Very happy with the course.

  34. Rachel Wheatley –

    Instructor was very helpful really good and informative. Very good course, a lot covered, really enjoyed the course.

  35. Matthew Higgins –

    Martin has good knowledge and is easy to talk to. Very good course well taught.

  36. David Brooks –

    This course is good!

  37. Gavin J –

    Martyn is superb, very helpful and explains everything. The course facilities are superb. I’ve taken courses at various locations over the past 30 years, this is my first time at SWMA and I will definitely be returning for other courses. Would highly recommend SWMA.

  38. William M –

    Martyn is a great bloke, very friendly, very good course.

  39. Thomas T –

    Martyn is very knowledgeable, great at teaching a really nice bloke. Laid back easy going course, calm friendly environment, would definitely book here again for other courses!

  40. Malcolm Nicholas –

    Very informative, Martin is very patient and helpful.

  41. Simon Taylor –

    Very good course, enjoyed the week.

  42. Ethan P –

    The course delivers on the EDH syllabus in a detailed and well presented manor. I am likely to return for any future courses. Martin is a skilled instructor and delivers the knowledge in the class in a easily digestible way.

  43. Kris Ward –

    EDH Course was good! Enjoyed splicing and rope work the most!
    Martin was a super patient instructor!
    South West Maritime Academy has been great, facilities were great!
    A+ would recommend

  44. Andrew Cervero –

    Really enjoyed the Efficient Deck Hand course, the instructor was excellent.
    I would have liked to spend more time practising splicing & whipping and less time in the classroom but that’s just personal nit picking.
    Overall I think it was an excellent course & would highly recommend it to colleagues and other mariners.

  45. Ashley Marshall –

    Very knowledgeable instructor, more than happy to help at any time. Made everything clear on things I was unsure about.

  46. Helena Reynolds –

    Really enjoyable course, though it might have been of more use to me before I’d taken my Yachtmaster!

  47. Mark Chamberlain –

    I thought the lecturer managed the course structure well. All candidates had a lot of experience and that was taken on-board and the course was delivered at their level.
    The splicing and rope work was a very valuable refresher.

  48. Adam Davies –

    Excellent instructors, very friendly and down to earth.
    I found the course easy to follow with good support from the instructors and the facilities very good for training purposes.

  49. Marcin Snios –

    I’ve learned a lot from instructor Martin – he knows everything and anything about ropes and rope-work in detail. Very good and transparent with passing information very knowledgeable person. Overall very happy thanks.

  50. Phil Rowlands –

    Instructors are really friendly and approachable

  51. Christian Tywunka –

    Very knowledgeable with years of experience. Had a good week, very informative.

  52. Peter Wilson –

    Extremely helpful, very professional, very educational

  53. Richard Lewis –

    Great, Very friendly and welcoming to the course.

  54. Jaime Yeomans –

    This course covered everything and taught me some very interesting things. Brilliant instructors overall a very good Academy that I will continue to use in the future.

Add a review

Efficient Deck Hand

The Efficient Deck Hand course is an integral part of the Able Seafarer and Officer of the Watch (OOW) certifications, and includes seamanship skills, rope work and rigging and the Code of Safe Working practices amongst a host of other subjects and topics.

Efficient Deck Hand – What is the EDH course and who is it for?

The Efficient Deck Hand course is an integral part of the Able Seafarer and Officer of the Watch (OOW) certifications, and includes seamanship skills, rope work and rigging and the Code of Safe Working practices amongst a host of other subjects and topics.

Our EDH course leans heavily towards practical, hands-on learning and is a great opportunity to quite literally learn the ropes.

The course covers all the essential skills required to be an effective deckhand, and develops your seamanship skills and ships’ knowledge, helping to promote both safe and efficient working when on vessels.

The Efficient Deck Hand course runs over 5 days, and combines a good mix of both theory and hands-on practical learning, creating a fun and engaging learning environment.

What does The Efficient Deck Hand Course (EDH) cover?

The EDH course curriculum is comprehensive and covers a wide range of essential topics. Some of the key areas covered include:

Nautical Knowledge

Your nautical education begins with mastering essential maritime vocabulary and identifying key ship components, from decks and compartments to complex pipeline systems. You’ll learn the proper protocol for displaying ensigns, courtesy flags, and international signal flags. Proficiency in navigation is crucial, so you’ll practice reporting bearings using compass cards and 360-degree notation. Effective communication is paramount; you’ll gain a solid understanding of helm orders and learn how to communicate seamlessly with the officer of the watch during watch-keeping duties.

You’ll also learn the procedures for watch handover, ensuring a safe and continuous watch. Crucially, you’ll develop a strong understanding of lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment. This includes recognizing the importance of musters and drills, understanding alarm signals, and knowing how to respond in emergencies. You’ll become familiar with fixed smothering systems, lifeboat release gear, boat launching procedures, and the maintenance of lifeboats and davits. Finally, you’ll learn the function and operation of fire and watertight doors.

Shipboard Maintenance

You’ll gain hands-on experience in general shipboard maintenance, mastering the use of painting, lubrication, and cleaning materials and equipment, alongside routine repair procedures. You’ll learn essential surface preparation techniques, and how to adhere to manufacturer’s safety guidelines and shipboard instructions, including the safe disposal of waste. Proficiency in using and maintaining both hand and power tools is a key focus. Simultaneously, you’ll develop a strong understanding of marine environmental protection, learning to apply precautions to prevent pollution, operate anti-pollution equipment, and utilize approved methods for marine pollutant disposal.

The practical component of the course ensures you can apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. You’ll demonstrate your mastery of essential knots, bends, and hitches, including the reef knot, timber hitch, cove hitch, rolling hitch, figure of 8 knot, wall and crown knot, bowline and bowline on the bight, sheet bend and double sheet bend, sheepshank, fishermen’s bend, monkey’s fist, round turn and two half hitches, and marlinspike hitch.

Splicing and Whipping

You’ll master essential splicing and whipping techniques, including creating splices in eight-stranded plaited rope, performing back and short splices in three-stranded rope, and executing eye splices with locking tucks in wire rope. You’ll also learn to parcel and serve a splice, whip rope ends using both plain and palm-and-needle methods, and properly apply seizing to ropes and wires.

Rope Work and Rigging

You’ll develop comprehensive skills in general deck work, starting with the proper care and storage of essential equipment like fibre and wire ropes, cables, and chains. This includes understanding their construction, use, marking, maintenance, and stowage. You’ll also learn how to safely sling and rig stages and bosun’s chairs, and how to handle pilot ladders, hoists, gangways, and accommodation ladders. The importance of rat guards will be covered, along with the techniques for rigging derricks and cranes.

You’ll gain expertise in selecting and using stoppers for wires and ropes, and learn the procedures for opening and closing hatches and watertight doors, including bow, stern, and other shell doors. You’ll master the precautions needed for operating winches during cargo work and warping, and learn how to secure the deck for heavy weather. Rigging hydrostatic release units and the correct fitting of wire grips, like ‘Bulldog’ grips, will also be taught, completing your comprehensive deck work training.

Mooring

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of mooring operations, learning the specific functions of mooring and tug lines within the overall system. Emphasis will be placed on the safe handling of moorings, particularly with synthetic-fibre ropes and self-tensioning winches. You’ll master the correct procedures and sequence of events for making fast and letting go mooring, tug, and towing lines, as well as the specialized techniques for mooring to buoys.

Anchoring

This section provides a thorough understanding of anchoring procedures. You’ll learn how to operate a windlass for various anchor-related tasks, including anchoring, weighing anchor, and warping, and understand its vital role in securing the vessel. You’ll also explore the use of anchors in emergency scenarios, and the importance of proper chain cable stowage and anchor securing. You’ll learn to interpret anchor cable markings and follow the established procedures for safe and effective anchoring.

Cargo Work

Become proficient in cargo work operations, gaining a thorough understanding of the various gear used and their specific applications. You’ll learn to perform general maintenance on crucial equipment like wires, blocks, and shackles, and understand the importance of capacities, safe working loads, and breaking strengths for both mooring and cargo equipment. Master the procedures for safe handling, stowage, and securing of cargo and stores, including dangerous, hazardous, and harmful substances and liquids. You’ll also develop the ability to use and interpret basic signals for operating equipment such as winches, windlasses, cranes, and hoists. Finally, you’ll gain essential knowledge of the precautions to observe when handling different cargo types, including the identification of IMDG labelling.

Who needs the Efficient Deck Hand ticket?

This course is a requirement for: